I'm also planning on getting to know my slowcooker really well! DH doesn't let me leave it on when we're not in the house, so it's basically been unused for the past 18 months ...
Nooo DH! The best bit about the slow cooker is you can put it on and leave it. We do it all the time - even specifically using it if we know we're having a big day out, to know dinner will be ready when you get home is the best!

Thanks for replying everyone, I'm thinking that if I can't get my hands on a vacuum sealer, I might start cooking during April. That should be okay?